Agenda Item no _________2________
CABINET
Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 14 February 2011 at the Council
Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 10.00 am.
Members present:
Mrs P Bevan Jones
Ms V Gay (Chairman)
Mr P Moore
Mrs H T Nelson
Mr E Seward
Mr C Stockton
Also attending:
Mrs J Moss
Mr W Northam
Mr R Price
Mr N Ripley
Mr B Smith
Mrs A Sweeney
Mr R Combe
Mrs H Eales
Mrs A Fitch-Tillett
Mr P W High
Mrs G Lisher
Mr J Lisher
Mrs A Moore
Officers in attendance:
The Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive, the
Strategic Director – Information, the Head of Coastal Strategy,
the Financial Services Manager, the ICT Manager and the
Sustainability Co-ordinator.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr G Jones.
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MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 January 2011 were
approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
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PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None.
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ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Member(s)
Ms V Gay
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Minute
No.
118
Item
Interest
North Norfolk Asset
Management Plan
Personal and nonprejudicial – Member
of National Trust
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14 February 2011
111
Mr C Stockton
119
Mrs P Bevan
Jones
120
Mr C Stockton
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North Norfolk Pathfinder –
Purchase of Beach Road,
Happisburgh Properties and
Beach Debris Removal
Installation of Photovoltaic
Panels at Victory Leisure
Centre
Designated Area Order Cromer
Personal and nonprejudicial as a
resident and business
owner in Happisburgh
Personal and nonprejudicial – employed
by Eastern Leisure
who run Victory
Leisure Pool
Personal and nonprejudicial interest as
a publican
JOINT STAFF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
RESOLVED that
the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee held on
15 November 2010 be received.
112
MEMBERS TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT GROUP
Mr R Combe said that the completion of exit interviews would be very helpful
in providing feedback from Members.
RESOLVED that
the minutes of the meeting of the Members’ Training, Development and
Support Group held on 30 November 2010 be received.
113
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK WORKING PARTY
RESOLVED that
the minutes of the meeting of the Local Development Framework Working
Party held on 13 December 2010.
114
2011/12 BASE BUDGET AND PROJECTIONS FOR 2012/13 TO 2014/15
The report presented for approval the proposed budget for 2011/12 for both
revenue and capital and also provided indicative budgets for the following
three financial years 2012/13 to 2014/15.
Mr P Moore read out a statement in support of the report (attached as an
appendix to these minutes). He thanked Officers for the phenomenal amount
of work which they had put into the report.
In response to questions, it was confirmed that the central allocation was
based on census data and population increases. The amount allocated
increased or decreased based on poverty, population sparsity. It was
believed that rural areas such as this had lost out to urban areas. The
Council had been working with SPARSE (Sparsity Partnership For Authorities
Delivering Rural Service – Local Government Special Interest Group) on the
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14 February 2011
Government’s review of funding issues. It was considered that rural issues
were not understood in Whitehall.
The difference in savings made relating to the new waste, recycling,
cleansing and grounds maintenance contract shown in the text and in Table 2
were due to those matters which Officers were already aware of and those
which had been factored in since then.
It was confirmed that no payment had been made in advance of completed
car parks works.
It was explained that the increase in Internal Drainage Board rates and levies
reflected figures presented at a meeting of the Board concerning grants.
Whilst the Council had tried to encourage people to shop in North Norfolk by
allowing free parking on its car parks on the four Saturdays leading up to
Christmas, it cost the Council £15,000 per year. The Council had been asked
to do this again, but in light of present circumstances, it was considered that it
would not be possible in the current year.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council
To agree and recommend to Full Council:
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a)
The 2011/12 revenue account budget as outlined at Appendix A to the
report and that the surplus of £58,064 be allocated to the restructuring
reserve;
b)
The demand on the Collection Fund, subject to any amendments as a
result of final precepts be:
(i)
£5,736,464 for District purposes
(ii)
£1,447,722 (subject to confirmation of one final precept) for
Parish/Town precepts;
c)
The movement on the reserves as detailed at Appendix E to the
report;
d)
The updated Capital Programme and it’s financing for 2010/11 to
2012/13 as detailed at Appendix F to the report;
e)
The new capital bids as detailed at Appendix G to the report;
f)
That Members note the current projections for 2012/13 to 2014/15.
TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT AND INVESTMENT
STRATEGY 2011/12 TO 2013/14
The report set out details of the Council’s treasury management activities
along with the Prudential Indicators, and presented a strategy for the prudent
investment of the Council’s surplus funds for Members to approve.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council that
the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy and
Prudential Indicators, for 2011/12 to 2013/14, be approved.
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BUDGET MONITORING 2010/11 – PERIOD 9
The report presented the budget monitoring position for the revenue account
and capital programme to the end of December 2010.
RESOLVED to
a)
b)
c)
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note the contents of the report and the revenue account forecast for
the current financial year;
approve the virement in relation to public conveniences as detailed
within section 3.2 (Resources) of the report;
note the current position on the 2010/11 capital programme.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT (QUARTERLY REPORT AS AT 31
DECEMBER 2010
The report, its appendix and the Corporate Performance Management
System presented the performance information for the period ended 31
December 2010.
Members were informed that this was the penultimate Performance
Management report in the current format as the Government had removed
many of the indicators. This would now have to be reviewed across the
authority and it was intended that there would be more flexibility, with councils
able to set their own targets.
Mrs H Nelson referred to the recommendation in the report to approve the
withdrawal of the target for visits to Museums and said that the North Norfolk
Museums Forum which had replaced the North Norfolk Area Museums
Committee worked very well. Many independent Museums attended its
meetings as well as representatives of Norfolk County Council’s Joint
Museum and Archaeology Committee. She considered that this Council had
done the right thing in abolishing the Area Museums Committee and
supported the removal of the target.
It was noted that, overall, levels of sickness were less.
A number of planning application determinations were outstanding, but this
was due mainly to some which were not straight forward and it had not been
possible to determine them within the target time.
Members wished to place on record their appreciation that the Economic and
Tourism Development Team had significantly exceeded two targets; these
were ETD 007 (Q) (Cum) - the number of new business start-ups supported
each year, and ETD 008 (Q) (Cum) - the number of businesses assisted to
retain jobs and/or increase employment each year.
Reference had already been made, under minute 114 (Budget report), to the
lack of understanding which it was considered the Government had over rural
areas, including community transport. Significant sums of money were
provided to community transport organisations which provided quality of life to
many people at a time when it was likely that there would be cut backs in
subsidies to buses and so community transport would become increasingly
important.
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In order to address this issue, it was proposed by Mr C Stockton and
seconded that Members approve the addition of targets, yet to be determined,
for the investigation of rural issues including community transport.
RESOLVED to
a)
b)
c)
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note the performance information for the period ended 31st December
2010.
approve the withdrawal of the target for visits to museums (LC 007a).
approve the addition of targets, yet to be determined, for the
investigation of rural issues including community transport.
NORTH NORFOLK ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Asset Management Plan (AMP) provided the strategic framework within
which the Council managed its property assets and ensured that decisions
taken in respect of investment, acquisitions and disposals reflected the
Council’s strategic and operational objectives.
Mrs A Moore was thanked for proof-reading the Plan.
Members welcomed the Plan and noticed that whilst some councils were
having to close public conveniences, this Council had been able to maintain
and improve its own. There were now far fewer complaints about them. The
Council was also managing its capital programme and continuing to invest in
it this year and beyond. It was a notable achievement for the Council during
difficult times and Officers were congratulated for their work.
It was noted that the Council was managing to maintain its statutory services
as well as its discretionary services and considered that the quality of life
mattered as well as surviving it.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council that
a)
the Asset Management Plan be approved as the basis for the strategic
framework for asset management in North Norfolk District Council and
to provide the property input to the Council’s Capital Strategy; and
b)
Members note the following changes to the Capital Programme arising
from the Asset Management Plan, recommended in the Budget
Report on this agenda.
The meeting adjourned at 11am and reconvened at 11.20am.
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NORTH NORFOLK PATHFINDER – PURCHASE OF BEACH ROAD,
HAPPISBURGH PROPERTIES AND BEACH DEBRIS REMOVAL
The report updated Members on progress and detailed the next steps in
relation to the purchase of properties at risk at Beach Road, Happisburgh
under the North Norfolk Pathfinder Programme. It set out the approach to be
followed regarding the demolition of these properties and the development of
their replacement. It sought endorsement of the approach to be taken with
the removal of beach debris and sought approval of final details for property
purchases.
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14 February 2011
Significant progress had been with the Pathfinder programme. The majority
of sales of properties had been agreed, which would be demolished. Whilst
the final settlements were not ideal, they were the best deal possible and
more than the owners envisaged. The Council would then have planning
policy rights to build elsewhere in North Norfolk and it had been agreed that
this would be in Happisburgh. Nine properties were to be built and the Policy
would show that it was a mechanism for helping communities lost to the sea.
The removal of the beach debris would make the beach safer and accessible.
A new public car park, public conveniences and access ramp to the beach
also formed part of the project.
RESOLVED to
a)
b)
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approve the final negotiated offers made for Beach Road,
Happisburgh properties.
approve the beach debris removal scheme at Happisburgh and
authorise that tenders for the beach debris removal and provision of
the new public car park be invited.
INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AT VICTORY LEISURE
CENTRE
The report contained a business case for installing photo-voltaic panels on
the roof of Victory Leisure Centre.
There were two options for Members to consider in relation to the level of
capital investment required to take forward the installation of photovoltaic
panels at Victory Leisure Centre, North Walsham. It had not been found a
good scheme to invest in financially with the feed in tariff which the
Government was offering. In addition, it could not be assumed that the
scheme would still be in place after 25 years, which was the length of time
upon which it was based. Whilst the scheme was in line with the Council’s
green agenda and offered significant green savings, it did not represent best
value for money and it was considered that the Council should be looking at
invest to save projects elsewhere. It was suggested that the report be
forwarded onto the Government, who were reviewing feed in tariffs, in order
to demonstrate that because of these it was financially unviable to install
photovoltaic panels.
RESOLVED
a)
b)
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To not proceed with the scheme to install photovoltaic panels at
Victory Leisure Centre, North Walsham.
That a letter be written to the Government expressing the Council’s
concern over the feed in tariff for electricity generated by photovoltaic
panels which has made their installation at Victory Leisure Centre,
North Walsham financially unviable.
DESIGNATED AREA ORDER - CROMER
The report asked Members to consider under Section 13(2) of the Criminal
Justice and Police Act 2001 undertaking the formal process to make a
Designated Public Place Order to apply to part of Cromer to reduce the
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incidence of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol
consumption.
It was noted that all Members of Cromer Town and Suffield Park wards were
in support of the proposed Designated Public Place Order in Cromer. Cromer
Town Council was a formal consultee and its written response would be
included in the next report.
RESOLVED to
give permission for the formal consultation process to commence with the
findings being presented to Full Council should the result of the consultation
show that there is sufficient evidence, need and support for the granting of an
Order.
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EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED that
under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and
public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the
grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in paragraphs 1,3 and 4 of Part I Schedule 12A (as amended) to the
Act.
Definitions of paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.
Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any
particular person (including the authority holding that information).
Paragraph 4: Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or
contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour
relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and
employees of, or office holders under, the authority.
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OPTIONS FOR REVENUES AND BENEFITS SERVICE – INCLUDING
OUTCOME OF BUSINESS CASE FOR SHARED SERVICES
The report concerned the realisation of savings and efficiencies from working
in partnership and the development of a formal partnership for the
management of the Revenues and Benefits Service.
The need to invest in a replacement Revenues and Benefits system was
supported by the ICT Strategy Group, who considered that the principal issue
to resolve in entering into a joint ICT procurement process was the hosting
arrangements.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council to
a)
b)
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note the business case prepared by Xantura Ltd and the funding being
made available through the Regional Efficiency and Improvement
Programme (REIP).
agree to provide capital funding, as per the budget report on this
agenda, for the upgrade of the software and associated document
management software.
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c)
d)
give delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation
with Portfolio holders, to enter into a joint ICT procurement process
with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and for a
report to be submitted to the ICT strategy group who would oversee
the project for North Norfolk District Council.
undertake further work to develop the concept of a formal partnership
for the management of the revenues and benefits.
The meeting closed at 12.30pm.
_________________________
Chairman, 21 March 2011
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